It was raining today and not a day for outside nature photography. Instead, I set up the camera in my home office in front of the sliding glass door, opened it up (it was 60 degrees), and photographed across the deck into the trees and captured digitally some of my bird “neighbors” as they came and went from our bird feeder. It was an amazingly active day at the feeder; there were Carolina Wrens (above image), Bluejays, Nuthatches, Titmouses, Chickadees, Cardinals, Bluebirds, American Goldfinches, House Finches, Morning Doves, Dark-eyed Junco, and a Downy Woodpecker.

I used this opportunity to break-in a new lens that is perfect for this type of photography. I also used my Nikon D700 and cranked up the ISO to 1000 and 1600 in order to get a quick shutter speed in the heavily overcast, rainy conditions. The filtered light from the overcast sky worked to my advantage by evenly lighting the birds. Below are some of the images. Click on them to see them in more detail.

4 Responses to Some of My Feathered Neighbors

Are you easily able to see all your “neighbors” from your house or do you need your large lens? Makes me wish I had a large window that faces my backyard, too, so that I could enjoy my “neighbors.” Lovely, lovely photos!

Our house is on the least developed part of Lake Montclair, and Montclair is a designated bird sanctuary. There are trees between the house and the lake. The environment is perfect attracting a wide variety of birds, which also includes some raptures (e.g., eagles, osprey, hawks and owls) that feed on the fish in the lake and unfortunately some of the birds. Our bird feeder is close to the house, but I only photograph the birds while they are in the trees. I have used an 80-400mm for years, and the 400mm was needed for the best shots, but now with the 600mm, I can photograph more because of the focusing speed, extended reach and the images are sharper.

Your reputation among the bird population is established. I think the birds are spreading the word to be prepared to be photographed if you are in Steve’s neighborhood. You are going to be overun by birdies………

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You may copy and use any images on this blog for personal purposes such as on your blog, Facebook page, desktop image, etc. as long as you indicate that I am the photographer and provide a link to my website. All other uses, such as for commercial purposes, are subject to licensing arrangements made with Stephen L Tabone.